Think you have the coronavirus? Here's what you should know

Sault Area Hospital (SAH) and Algoma Public Health (APH) have sent replies to SooToday regarding those who suspect they may have been afflicted with the coronavirus (COVID-19). 

“If you have travelled to an area impacted by the coronavirus (COVID-19), such as China, Hong Kong, Iran, Japan, Italy, Singapore, or South Korea, or have been in contact with someone who has travelled to an impacted area, and you develop symptoms (fever, cough and difficulty breathing), you should isolate yourself from others and call a healthcare professional or Algoma Public Health at (705) 759-5404 before coming to the Sault Area Hospital Emergency Department,” wrote Brandy Sharp Young, SAH communications and volunteer resources manager, in an email to SooToday Friday.

“If you need immediate medical attention, call 911 and mention your travel history and symptoms,” Sharp Young wrote. 

“Patients are currently being screened at the Emergency Department and in some outpatient clinics. The screening includes questions about flu-like symptoms, cough and travel within the past two weeks. At the Emergency Department, all patients and visitors will go through a pre-screening process before proceeding to Triage and will be directed appropriately... a testing process is in place and any necessary testing is coordinated with Algoma Public Health,” Sharp Young wrote.

The SAH coronavirus website states "patients are already screened at entry points of care such as the Emergency Department and outpatient clinics. This includes questions about flu-like symptoms, cough and travel history. Patients with a travel history to high-risk areas or those who have had contact with anyone who travelled to high-risk areas and are unwell...will be masked and cared for in an isolation, negative pressure room by staff wearing appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) including contact and airborne precautions."

“We (SAH) have been working diligently to make preparations for coronavirus (COVID-19). Like all Ontario hospitals, we are following the guidance of Public Health Ontario/Chief Medical Officer of Health and we have the recommended precautions in place. We are closely monitoring the COVID-19 (coronavirus) situation with local, provincial and federal partners and we continue to reassess to ensure the ongoing safety of patients, visitors and staff,” Sharp Young wrote.

“No one has tested positive for COVID-19 (the coronavirus) at this time in Algoma,” wrote Leo Vecchio, APH spokesperson, in an email sent to SooToday Friday.

“APH continues to work closely with returned travellers who have questions or concerns about exposure to COVID-19. Depending on each individual case, we make recommendations that may include self-isolation or getting tested. We do this follow-up work for COVID-19, as well as for many other reportable diseases, from measles to whooping cough,” Vecchio wrote.

“The symptoms of the 2019 novel coronavirus (NOVID-19) are very similar to those of influenza and other respiratory viruses, including fever and cough. As a result, individuals who may simply have the flu are being tested out of an abundance of caution and in line with Ontario’s robust disease surveillance and detection protocols. These individuals would be considered Persons Under Investigation (PUI), not Presumed Cases,” Vecchio wrote.  

“SAH will provide any updates to the community as necessary,” Sharp Young wrote on behalf of the hospital.

SAH states "there is no vaccine to prevent the infection, however everyday preventive actions (such as those listed below) can help to stop the spread of this coronavirus, in fact, any respiratory virus:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue away
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces
• Stay home if you are sick